Extron IP Control Processors Manage AV Components over Ethernet

The Extron IPCP 305 and IPCP 505 can access and monitor AV devices over an IP network.

Extron has rolled out two control processors that can remotely access, troubleshoot, and monitor entire AV systems and their individual components through an Ethernet connection.

The IPCP 305 features three bidirectional RS-232 ports, two unidirectional RS-232 ports, and four relays, while the IPCP 505 offers two bidirectional RS-485/RS-442/RS-232 ports, six bidirectional RS-232 ports, eight programmable unidirectional RS-232 ports, and eight relays. The IPCP 505 also offers four Flex I/O control interfaces that function as analog inputs or configurable digital input/output.

Flex I/O control interfaces on both models have an impedance of 28k ohms and a programming range on the low to high threshold of 100 mV to 24 VDC with a default of 2VDC. The unidirectional serial ports feature IR output carrier frequency of 30 kHz to 1 MHz, while the relay control interface offers a contact rating of 24 Volts at 1 amp.

Both the IPCP 305 and the IPCP 505 ship with Global Configurator, a network configuration application that can set up IP properties, passwords, and mail servers. The software allows AV activities to be configured by port and activated as a scheduled task or with monitor triggers. An adjustable time delay option can send power to one device a few minutes after another that is set to the same scheduled task or monitor trigger.

Features of the software include device configuration copy and paste, an option that replicates existing IP Link device settings, and GlobalViewer Host tree views, a function that limits access to specified devices for a host administrator while leaving full access intact for the global administrator. It also includes event reporting, a library of device drivers, project file export and import, labeling options, and multiple interface skins.

The control processors themselves also include a convection cooling system, LED indicators, and an integrated IR learner that captures infrared remote codes.

Further information on IPCP 305 is available here. More information on the IPCP 505 can be found here.

Correction

Editor's note: This article has been modified since its original publication to correct two factual errors. We previously reported that both products mentioned in this article are currently shipping. In fact, Extron has not yet announced a ship date. We had also previously stated that both products offer Flex I/O ports, but only the IPCP 505 offers those types of ports. [Last updated Feb. 10, 2011 at 12:48 p.m.] --David Nagel

About the Author

Dan Thompson is a freelance writer based in Brea, CA. He can be reached here.